All You Need to Know about Oxycodone

All You Need to Know about Oxycodone
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By Dr. Dan Brown, State Medical Director, Ohio, Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid drug that comes from the poppy plant. It is often introduced to a patient as a prescribed analgesic and can provide necessary pain relief for those with extreme conditions, such as cancer or acute pain. Unfortunately, it can sometimes become addictive and lead to drug abuse. If you or a loved one needs oxycodone addiction treatment, speak to your doctor or seek help from Pinnacle Treatment Centers right away.

Male doctor explaining Oxycodone to his patient.

Other Names for Oxycodone

Anytime you take a drug for any reason, it is important to understand what you are putting into your body, as well as the potential side effects. Oxycodone often goes by other names, or is combined with other ingredients. OxyContin is a common brand name for oxycodone when it is the sole ingredient, as well as Endocodone, OxylR, Percolone, and more. You may also be prescribed Percocet, Roxicet, or Percodan, which are drugs containing oxycodone and another ingredient, such as acetaminophen or aspirin. Others include Combunox, Endocet, Magnacet, Lynox, Primlec, Taxadone, and more. Ask your doctor if you are concerned your prescribed painkillers may contain oxycodone.

Oxycodone also goes by several “street names,” such as OC, Roxy, Perc, Oxy, Ox, Kicker, and Hillbilly Heroin.

Effects of Oxycodone

Oxycodone can have both helpful and dangerous effects on the body. Relaxation and euphoria are common effects, which is one of the reasons it can lead to abuse. A person may begin taking the drug with good intentions, but continue taking it for the wrong reasons and despite the dangers.

Older woman experience the effects of Oxycodone.

Physiological Effects

The effects of oxycodone on the body include sedation, pain relief, cough suppression, respiratory depression, papillary constriction, and constipation. Using oxycodone for extended periods of time can also lead to liver damage.

Overdose Effects

When a person takes too much oxycodone, they may experience muscle weakness, confusion, extreme drowsiness, fainting, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, or shrinking of pupils. In the worst cases, it is possible for oxycodone overdose to lead to a coma or even death.

Oxycodone vs Hydrocodone

Oxycodone and hydrocodone are both narcotic pain killers that produce the same effectiveness. They are both used for severe acute pain or pain associated with cancer.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When the body becomes accustomed to consuming a certain substance, it will experience withdrawal symptoms. Oxycodone is no different. Some of the withdrawal symptoms you may experience when slowing or stopping an extended use of oxycodone include anxiety, insomnia, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps or spasms.

Woman staring out the window thinking about getting help for Oxycodone addiction.

Get Help for Oxycodone Addiction

Addiction to an opioid substance is also referred to as opioid use disorder. If you or someone you care about is suffering from opioid use disorder or exhibiting symptoms of opioid addiction, seek treatment immediately. Pinnacle Treatment Centers can help you find relief and develop the skills needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle after treatment is complete.

Contact Pinnacle Treatment Centers to learn more about oxycodone addiction and our addiction recovery programs. With our medication-assisted treatment programs, we can help you get your life back.

The materials provided on the Pinnacle Blog are for information and educational purposes only. No behavioral health or any other professional services are provided through the Blog and the information obtained through the Blog is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified health professional. If you are in need of medical or behavioral health treatment, please contact a qualified health professional directly, and if you are in need of emergency help, please go to your nearest emergency room or dial 911.